Toronto-based fashion designers, Izzy Camilleri has made a name for herself designing clothing for national and international clients for over thirty years. Top celebrities from all genres have worn many of Izzy’s pieces including David Bowie, Angelina Jolie, Jason Momoa, Daniel Radcliffe and Meryl Streep, to name a few. While still attending to the needs of the fashion world, Izzy’s personal focus revolves around inner beauty, good health and wellness. In early 2017, this alternative focus compelled Izzy to write and self-publish her first book: Izzy’s Eating Plan, with a mission to make present and future generations more healthful.
Here she shares what motivated her to write the book, her tips, what she learned in her healthy journey and more. Take a read.
What encouraged you to write Izzy’s Eating Plan?
I’m a mother of 2 teenage sons and I’ve been a fashion designer for 34 years. I feel better now, in my early 50’s than I did in my 30’s due to the way I now take care of myself. I was encouraged to write Izzy’s Eating Plan because my health and weight loss became inspiring and I wanted to share what I learned through writing a book.
What differentiates Izzy’s Eating Plan from a number of weight loss diets in the market?
The first thing, is that Izzy’s Eating Plan is not a diet, its an eating plan. It guides you through your food choices which can promote weight loss, but also inspires a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. Diets are usually too ridged or difficult to sustain overtime. People tend to give up before they are done, OR they lose the weight and go then right back to their old habits only to gain the weight back – and sometimes more than was originally lost.
I wonder, why do you think that people so passionate about diets?
Everyone wants to look and feel the best they can, so dieting is what comes to mind when weight needs to be shed. However, diets have a beginning and end. My eating plan is not a diet, but its a new way of eating and looking at food. It’s a learning tool for eating with intention which essentially allows you to eat well and benefit your body at the same time.
How important was research to you when writing a book?
Research was key when writing the book. It was a priority for it to be accurate and correct. For this reason, I worked with a nutritionist to help me develop the plan.
Based on what you’ve learned, what’s one forgotten food?
Well, my plan is quite simple, and uses everyday foods no matter what your eating preferences are. For myself, I’ve come to love beets, which I used to never eat and now, I eat them regularly to help my skin maintain a healthy glow.
What are the three best tips you picked up writing this book?
1) I believe that weight can be lost independently and can be sustained over time, without following ridged or unhealthy weight loss programs.
2) Its important to be physical everyday. I walk every morning anywhere from 30-60 minutes and I found it has strengthened and thinned out my legs. It also provides some quiet ‘me time’ which is so important for overall wellbeing.
3) The book is a quick read… I didn’t want readers to feel overwhelmed with a long book or one that was difficult to understand. The plan itself is simple and very easy to follow.
Do you have anything specific or advice that you want to say to the readers who are struggling to lose weight and stick to a plan?
The first thing I’d say is that you need to respect and honor your body, first and foremost. Be aware of what we are eating at every meal. This alone will start to inspire people to eat better. I’d also want readers to remember that it took their body time to gain the weight and therefore, it needs time to lose it. Quick weight loss programs are not healthy. Give your body time to lose weight at a healthy and natural pace. Learn to eat differently and eat with intention. That’s what I did and there’s no turning back.
Learn more about the book here.
xxx
Photos: Chris Chapman, FAJO Magazine and Tara West
